insert_link World UN Begs for Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine as War Hits Two-Year Mark A Ukrainian rescuing a cat amid fatal missile attacks by Russia, Jan. 2, 2024. The United Nations launched a humanitarian appeal of $4.2 billion for Ukrainians inside and outside the country for the year. “But we beg today,” said Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian relief chief, “please don’t walk away from Ukraine.” DEFENSE OF UKRAINE/LIBEROV By Michelle Langrand via PassBlue The United Nations launched an appeal on Jan. 15 for […] todayJanuary 18, 2024 15
insert_link World Trump fumes at defamation trial The judge presiding over Donald Trump's defamation trial has told the former president to keep his voice down. Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll back in May and she is now seeking additional damages. William Denselow reports from New York. todayJanuary 18, 2024 9
insert_link World Biden meeting congressional leaders to try and agree on Ukraine, Israel and border U.S. President Joe Biden is meeting with members of Congress at the White House on Wednesday to try and come to a resolution on major security spending that includes aid for Ukraine and Israel. Republican representatives want more border security before agreeing to his requests. Caroline Malone reports. todayJanuary 18, 2024 3
insert_link World WHO says situation in Gaza is “catastrophic” The World Health Organisation says the health system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. A WHO health emergency officer described the dire nature of the health system saying the organisation needs more aid and medical supplies desperately to assist with the unfolding "catastrophe". Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York. todayJanuary 18, 2024 4
insert_link World Another relocated Cheetah dies in India India's cheetah reintroduction project has suffered another blow – the death of a 10th cheetah in less than a year. The cheetah, which was brought from Namibia in September 2022, has died at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. With the death of Shaurya, seven adult cheetahs and three cubs born in India have died since March 2023. In a statement, the director of the project overseeing the cheetah […] todayJanuary 17, 2024 25
insert_link World Senate votes against call for human rights report on Israel-Gaza conflict The US Senate has rejected a resolution that would have required the State Department to report on human rights violations that possibly occurred, using American equipment in Israel’s war in Gaza. The resolution, which was rejected by 72 votes to eleven, was led by progressive independent Bernie Sanders who said that it was to limit the war’s devastation. todayJanuary 17, 2024 14
insert_link World VFS Global wins contract for UK visa services VFS Global has secured the global contract for overseas UK visa and citizenship services. The company, recognised as a leading provider of visa, passport, and citizen services, has been appointed as the UK Government's visa agent in 142 countries, including Namibia. The UK Government implemented a visa requirement for all Namibian nationals traveling to the United Kingdom, effective from July 2023. todayJanuary 17, 2024 44
insert_link Environment Elton John achieves EGOT status with Emmy win Music icon Elton John has become the 19th person to become an EGOT, winning all four major entertainment awards: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. He secured EGOT status when his Disney Plus special, Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, took home the award for outstanding variety special at the 75th Emmy Awards. The Smithsonian Magazine reports that he now has two Oscars, five Grammys, one […] todayJanuary 17, 2024 14
insert_link World China’s population shrinks for a second year in a row China's population fell in 2023 for the second year in a row – down by two million, as births and deaths continue to drop. The overall population fell in 2023 to 1.409 billion, down 2.08 million people from the previous year. Although the economy grew last year slightly faster than the government's target. Here's Andrew Wood in Hong Kong. todayJanuary 17, 2024 8